Join us this Saturday to celebrate our building’s 150th year! This free event runs from 1 to 4 p.m. and will include guest speakers, history presentations, music from our Victorian pump organ, a guided cemetery tour, special exhibits, and refreshments. You are also welcome to browse the museum, shop our publications, and see our new interurban rails.
The Meeting House is located at 6510 S. Franklin Road. Handicapped parking is available in the building lot; all other public parking will be next door at The Creek.
Schedule of events (subject to change):
- 1 p.m. – Opening remarks by Nancy VanArendonk, FTHS president
- 1:15 p.m. – Pump organ music by Jim Kemp
- 1:30 p.m. – Special guest Arvine Tolle will speak about his experience preaching at the Big Run Baptist Church
- 1:45 p.m. – Open browsing. Explore our collection and chat with FTHS representatives. Questions welcome!
- 2:10 p.m. – Pump organ music by Jim Kemp
- 2:15 p.m. – Special guest William Maze will speak about the Big Run Cemetery, where his ancestors are buried
- 2:30 p.m. – Nancy Van Arendonk will present the history of the building
- 2:35 p.m. – Pump organ music by Jim Kemp
- 2:40 p.m. – Dana Crapo will present an informative talk about the Big Run Cemetery
- 2:50 p.m. – Guided Big Run Cemetery tour (requires crossing the street and walking over some uneven ground. Crossing guards will assist with traffic). Open browsing in Meeting House for those not visiting cemetery.
- 3:20 p.m. – Pump organ music by Jim Kemp
- 3:30 p.m. – Alena Van Arendonk will speak on the history of the interurban system and our new track display
- 3:45 p.m. – Closing remarks by Nancy VanArendonk. Meeting House will remain open for browsing until 4 p.m.